Sunday, May 6, 2012

Men or Rocks? Hmm...

Chapter XXIII

While Mrs. Bennet did not know the details of Mr. Collins
proposal to Miss Lucas, she knows now; and she is rather
incensed to think of Charlotte becoming the inheritor of the estate when Mr.
Bennet passes. Also, Jane is still
eagerly waiting to hear from Bingley, and it is even concerning Elizabeth as
the days pass that his selfish sisters and haughty friend, Mr. Darcy, may very
well be effective in preventing him from returning.

Chapter XXIV

Another letter from Caroline Bingley arrives only to
emphasize the plots of the previous letter and providing Jane reason to relieve her heart over Mr. Bingley altogether, but Elizabeth is
seething over her displeasure of others; while Jane is one who sees
good in others, Elizabeth trusts no one.
Regarding the matter with Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth is content in judging him
without complete knowledge of the particular issue at hand pertaining to Mr.
Wickham, but Jane always leaves room for truth and amendment.

Chapter XXV

Mrs. Bennet has a sensible sister-in-law, Mrs. Gardiner, and she is visiting for Christmas; the older Bennet
girls have a special relationship with Mrs. Gardiner, and I understand
why. (She reminds me of the gentle and
gracious, well-grounded Mrs. Caroline Ingalls from Little House. And on that
note, Mrs. Bennet is reminding me of Mrs. Olsen!)Upon hearing news between Jane and Bingley, Mrs. Gardiner invites Jane to stay
with Mr. Gardiner and herself in London for awhile as a change of scenery,
but she also is concerned about Elizabeth’s interest in Mr. Wickham. It’s a small world, and she knew the late Mr.
Darcy.

Chapter XXVI

Before the Gardiners and Jane leave, Mrs. Gardiner has a private and candid conversation with Elizabeth
about her relationship with Wickham requesting of her to use good judgment and
not to disappoint her father (given that she is her father’s favorite!). Elizabeth assures her that she is. In London, Jane receives a visit from Caroline Bingley, whereas it is apparent that Miss Bingley’s conduct is indifferent towards her being in town,
and Elizabeth is grateful now that Jane will no longer be deceived by Caroline
again. By the way, Mr. Collins and Caharlotte are married.

Chapter XXVII

Elizabeth apprehensively agrees to visit Charlotte and
travels with Charlotte’s father and sister, Maria; but first they
stay with the Gardiners for a day and night, and Elizabeth is able to spend
time with Jane. Mrs. Gardiner also speaks again with Jane about Wickham, whereas her aunt questions Mr. Wickham’s character
for interest in a girl, Miss. King, immediately after she had inherited her
grandfather’s fortune. Elizabeth
declares her unfortunate attitude of men in general, and her aunt invites her
to travel with them in the summer, in which Elizabeth cries, “What are men to rocks
and mountains?”